The Best Window Sensors of 2019 Review

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Most robbers will enter your home through your door or windows, which is why contact sensors, also known as entry sensors, are essential parts of any home security system. Connected to a mobile application, most likely over Wi-Fi, these sensors let you know whenever a window (or door, for that matter) has been opened or closed, when the system is armed, of course.

Let’s say you’re at work when you are notified that your front door window sensor goes off. You livestream footage from your security camera to find out that an intrusion is happening, in real time! From there, you call the police yourself, or leave it to your professional monitoring team. Either way is possible with any of the window sensors on this list of the best I’ve reviewed in 2019. Let’s get started!

Editor’s Pick

Ring Alarm Contact Sensor

Ring Alarm Contact Sensor

Our top pick is a contact sensor from Ring Alarm, which offers 24/7 professional monitoring or self-monitoring along with easy, DIY installation.

Editor’s Pick

Ring Alarm Contact Sensor

Ring Alarm Contact Sensor

Ring’s contact sensor will make sure that if anyone opens your window, you’ll be the first to know. You’ll be notified on the Ring— Always Home app from anywhere in the world, so it’s easy to stay on top of your home’s security.

Pros: I love that Ring gives you affordable and flexible 24/7 professional monitoring options, which include cellular backup. You’ll have no issue receiving alerts in the Ring— Always Home app from anywhere in the world. Plus, the contact sensor works with Amazon Alexa, making it a perfect choice for those already in the Amazon ecosystem.

Cons: This contact sensor requires the Ring base station, which could be an annoyance if don’t have it and don’t want it in the future.

Pros: You can get your window sensor professional monitored for a small monthly fee. Contracts are flexible, so you’re not making any long-term commitments. Plus, cellular backup is included if you have the matching security panel, so your window sensor will keep on keeping on!

Cons: The SmartThings app doesn’t have great ratings on the Apple store, so I wouldn’t recommend this product to iPhone users.

Best Wireless

Lifeshield Entry Sensors on Window

Lifeshield Window Sensor

When it comes to your home’s security, you don’t want it to be dependent on your power, as a power outage could leave you defenseless. Fortunately, Lifeshield has cellular, landline, battery, and Wi-Fi backup, so this window sensor is staying on no matter what.

Pros: I like that Lifeshield gives you the option to get 24/7 professional monitoring, as well as the option to self-monitor. Contracts are either monthly or three years, but negotiation is a-okay. You’ll monitor everything through the Lifeshield Interactive app, which is highly-rated on both iOS and Android.

Cons: In my experience, Lifeshield’s customer support was very unhelpful, so if you’re having an issue with your window sensor, you might be out of luck.

Best DIY

Kangaroo Motion and Entry Sensor on Box

Kangaroo Security Sensors

With an entry sensor along with a motion sensor, Kangaroo provides smart home security in the most minimal way possible. But unlike most minimalist systems, they actually offer 24/7 professional monitoring, and for an affordable price at that.

Pros: This entry sensor works with Amazon Alexa, so you can command it to arm itself when you leave the house. Kangaroo has excellent customer support, which will come in handy if you ever need help. Plus, the Kangaroo: Simple Home Security app is easy to use, making controlling the entry sensor a piece of cake.

Cons: Kangaroo doesn’t offer cellular backup, so unfortunately if your power is off, your sensor won’t be able to communicate with your app.

Best Budget

GE Window/ Door Alarm

Whether you live in a large house or a tiny apartment, if someone’s opening your window when you don’t want them to be, you need to know about that ASAP. That’s why I like the GE Window/ Door Alarm, which has an 120-decibel siren built-in, about as loud as a thunderclap or oxygen torch.

Pros: I like that the GE Window/ Door Alarm is wireless, as it makes installation super simple. It comes with a 90-day warranty, so you can test it out and send it back if you don’t like it. Plus, the price is right, which is always good for your bank account!

Cons: GE doesn’t offer any professional monitoring or cellular backup, so you’ll be totally responsible for monitoring your windows. Plus, if the sensor’s battery runs out, you could be without a window sensor temporarily.

Shop Amazon

GE Window/ Door Alarm

GE Window/ Door Alarm

If you want a window sensor and nothing else, then the GE Window/ Door Alarm is a great choice, as it doesn't require any additional fees.

Best Window Sensors of 2019 Methodology

Entry Sensor on Window

Just how did I come to pick the best window sensors of 2019? Well, I focus on a few key factors, including:

Design: The majority of window sensors are wireless and battery-powered. They typically come with an adhesive on the back which makes for an easy, DIY installation. Ideally, the sensors can also depend on cellular or landline backup, as that’ll ensure they stay on during a power outage.

Smart platform integration: Some window sensors work with Amazon Alexa or Google Assistant, allowing for voice commands. If you’re already in a smart home ecosystem, then you’ll probably want a window sensor that can fit right in with your other connected devices. I like sensors that work not only with voice assistants, but also with connected devices from other brands, allowing you to automate actions in your home. For example, it would be great to have my siren go off as soon as my window sensor does!

Monitoring: While some window sensors are standalone, some may have the option of 24/7 professional monitoring, which I recommend to everyone. 24/7 monitoring means that you’ll have a team of people to contact emergency services if you’re not around. This is great for anyone who works full time and isn’t always available to deal with home security issues.

Customer support: We’re talking about your home’s security, so a good customer support team is key. Aside from using my own experiences, I also check out reviews from Amazon and Google to see how customer support works for other customers.

App: Particularly if you’re self-monitoring your system, you want an app that’s user-friendly, which is why I test out apps along with checking reviews from the Google Play and Apple stores.

Best Window Sensors of 2019 Tips

When shopping for or using window sensors, what are some best practices? Here are a few:

Window sensors should be installed on the first floor of your home, as robbers are unlikely to come through your second story windows.

If your window sensor isn’t wireless, make sure you have an outlet nearby before you install it.

Be sure to test your window sensor after installing it to make sure it works correctly.

Recap of the Best Window Sensors of 2019

Window sensors are great, but they’re just part of a larger smart home security system. If you don’t already have one, make sure to check out our picks for the best security systems of 2019. Or, if you can’t decide which sensor is for you, leave a comment below and I’m sure to answer as soon as possible.

Published on September 5, 2019

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Gabe Turner is an attorney and journalist with a passion for home tech and secure, efficient living. Since graduating from NYU Law, he has maintained a paradoxical existence of trying to live life adventurously while remaining staunchly risk-averse. He is torn by the dual desires of wanting to only be in Brooklyn writing about housing policy and smart home tech and aspiring to visit his friends scattered across the globe. Gabe believes that stable, safe communities are the cornerstone to a vibrant and healthy society, and it is this passion that brought him to contribute to Security Baron.